The Fort Riley library staff hosted a spring themed party March 23. The participants celebrated by decorating flower pots, planting their own flowers, enjoying a snack and watching a movie.
"We had a wonderful party and everyone got to … paint their pots," said Somer Martin, library clerk. "Then we put some flowers and soil in there and we had some dirt and worms with some snacks and lemonade."
Christa Robertson, wife of Pfc. Dallas Robertson, 82nd Brigade Engineer Battalion, 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, said the event paired up well with the beginning of spring. Her daughter Emily, 3, was interested in watching her flower grow.
"We had about 10 different kinds (of flowers)," Martin said. "Some coneflowers, sunflowers, daisy's, just a mixed bunch. They got to pick whatever they liked and we stuck it in the pot for them."
Kim Scurfield, wife of Spc. Tanner Scurfield, 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 1st Aviation Regiment, 1st Combat Aviation Brigade Combat team, 1st Inf. Div., said her family enjoys planting in their garden at home. Her son Tyler, 4, said sunflowers were his favorite.
"That's the Kansas (flower)," he said, showcasing his knowledge.
"It was nice to get out of the house and come here," Scurfield said. "It's our first time at the library and we've been here for five years."
She said her husband is deployed and that the event helped get them out and about, and she planned on attending future events.
"I think it really helps just having the kids to have an activity to do and meet other people," she said.
Martin agreed, saying that it was important for spouses and children to get out and socialize during this time.
"The kids get to socialize and interact with their friends," she said. "(They) are always excited that they get to do a craft, something hands on. The messier the better and that's what we did here today. I think it's great in terms of community to come together and just hang out and talk -- especially moms."
Another plus was that it helped get the word out about future events, Martin said.
"We're also being able to push out other functions that are going on for the family," she said. "Every Wednesdays at 1:30 p.m. we have storytime, and then April 6 we're going to do a movie night. (We're going to watch) 'Wreck It Ralph' and we're going to have popcorn and juice, then April 20 we're going to have our next party.
"A lot of the moms here, their Soldiers are gone -- they're on rotation or at training," she said. "So, it's wonderful for them to be able to get out and just breathe for a moment, take a step back from real life and relax, especially in a very relaxing environment like the library."
Social Sharing